The answer is: 32000

Judges 7:3

The story of Gideon is one of the most fascinating tales within the Book of Judges, highlighting themes of faith, obedience, and God's providence. Initially, Gideon rallied an impressive 32,000 soldiers to confront the Midianite oppressors. That sounds like a formidable force, right? Surprisingly though, it was less than a drop in the bucket when you consider that the Midianites had an army that numbered in the hundreds of thousands!

Here's where it gets truly captivating: God told Gideon that his army was too large. Think about that for a moment—32,000 people might feel like a large crowd at a concert, but for a military engagement, it was considered unwieldy. The rationale behind God’s direction was to ensure the victory was divinely credited rather than attributed to sheer numbers. As Gideon's initial number dwindled, he was left with just 300 men.

Trivia alert! This event echoes a significant pattern throughout the Bible where God often uses the underdog or the seemingly weak to demonstrate His power. For instance, David was just a shepherd boy when he defeated Goliath, illustrating the profound biblical principle that sometimes great strength resides in vulnerability.

So, Gideon's story isn't merely about soldiers but rather it's a vivid testament to divine capability contrasting human assumptions. It ultimately serves as motivation that encourages individuals today to trust in seemingly small beginnings or limited resources!